MAGIC PIE – The Suffering Joy
- Posted on 06-02-2011
My definitive favorite album from 2007 in the world of prog? Magic Pie and "Circus Of Life". And here we are, 3 long years later, and a brand new album. Gone are the memories of the rehearsal room and equipment burnt up in flames, and the just recently cancelled release party, all that counts now is the final result. Can it match the magic from last time around?
You have already noticed the score, so you know the answer, its is a big and loud yes! Magic Pie has done it again, and delivers the natural follow up to "Circus Of life", following the same wonderful path, but without repeating themselves one single second. New boy is Eirikur Hauksson. Well, new in his leading vocal role for Magic Pie. I mean, everyone with interest for good music knows that this man can sing, and we all remember him in now legendary Artch. He delivers the goods once again, and the interaction between him and the other vocalists are pure magic, because make no mistake about it, all these boys knows how to sing. And so can the female vocalist, Maria Berntzen from local Moss band Silvanesti. Her contribution melts in naturally and gives the music yet another dimension, just listen to "Slightly Mad", and you will understand what I mean.
The album is built in the same structure as "Circus Of Life", meaning you get one main composition, the 24 minute long "A Lifes Work", this time divided into four parts. But there is more… Add the 15 minute long "Tired", 9 minutes long "Headliner" & "Slightly Mad", and you are in for a treat. We are talking incredible gifted musicians and vocalists in top shape, taking you on a playful journey full of positive energy few, if any, does better. You get long and catchy instrumental parts you wish would last even longer, and on top of this you have Norway’s best guitarist, Kim Stenberg, giving you chills down your spine every time he delivers his incredible solo work and riffs. And there is more… It’s all good. It’s all just damn good. I absolutely love it.
The music of Magic Pie just makes me incredible happy and in a great mood, there is no better music to play on a warm summer day drinking beer with good friends, and there is no better music to play when you are longing for exactly that moment, on a cold and rainy day. I was lucky enough to see them live at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2007, they were tight then, and they are even tighter now, and I cant wait to see them live again.
So, who is going to top this album in this category, or any category in 2011? I have no idea, and can only wish good luck!